Winter Day Trips in Japan for December from Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto
December in Japan brings crisp air, peaceful landscapes, and the quiet start of winter scenery. Unlike the peak autumn season, December is calmer, cooler, and ideal for slow travel. Whether you’re dreaming of snow-dusted mountains, warm hot springs, cozy cafés, or scenic coastal views, there are plenty of breathtaking destinations close to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto that make perfect day trips or short overnight stays.
Private charters by Hire Taxi Japan make these winter escapes even easier — especially when mountain roads are cold, buses run less frequently, or you want to make the most of limited daylight hours.
Here are the best winter day trips in Japan to enjoy in December from major cities.
1. Hakone (From Tokyo)
Hakone is one of the most popular winter escapes from Tokyo, and December is one of the best times to visit. The air is crisp and clear, making Mt. Fuji dramatically visible from Lake Ashi, the mountains, and the viewpoints around the ropeway.
Warm up in an onsen overlooking the mountains, stroll through the Hakone Shrine torii gates by the lake, or explore the open-air museum with its snow-kissed sculptures and forest paths. If there’s light snow in the higher areas, you’ll get beautiful white scenery without harsh winter conditions.
It’s a fantastic mix of nature, art, and relaxation — all close enough for a comfortable day trip.
Best for: Hot springs, Fuji views, winter scenery
Travel time: Around 1.5 hours from Tokyo
2. Lake Kawaguchi & Fuji Five Lakes (From Tokyo)
December in Japan brings some of the clearest skies of the year, making the Fuji Five Lakes region a winter traveler’s dream. Lake Kawaguchi’s shoreline offers postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji, often with early-season snow dusting its slopes.
Winter illuminations brighten up the lakeside, cafés offer warm windowside seating, and the views from Oishi Park and the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway are especially stunning in winter light.
This is a quiet, scenic winter escape with easy access via private transport — no need to navigate multiple buses or winter roads.
Best for: Mt. Fuji winter views, illuminations, lakeside walks
Travel time: Approx. 2 hours from Tokyo
3. Kurama & Kibune (From Kyoto)
Just north of Kyoto, the mountain villages of Kurama and Kibune transform into peaceful winter sanctuaries in December. The temples, forests, and narrow riverside paths take on a quiet, almost spiritual presence during the colder months.
Visit Kurama-dera, a mountaintop temple overlooking the valley, then head to Kibune Shrine and stroll the tranquil riverside area. If you’re visiting in early December, you may catch the last golden leaves clinging to the mountains.
For an extra indulgence, enjoy an outdoor hot spring (rotenburo) at a Kurama onsen — one of Kyoto’s best winter treats.
Best for: Forest temples, peaceful winter walks
Travel time: 30–40 minutes from Kyoto
4. Arima Onsen (From Osaka & Kyoto)
Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns and a perfect December retreat. Its charming streets, traditional inns, and warm “gold” and “silver” mineral springs make it ideal for a rejuvenating winter escape.
The town is small and walkable, with cozy cafés, artisan shops, and historical bathhouses. Whether you choose a day trip or a short overnight stay, Arima offers a classic Japanese winter atmosphere — tranquil, warm, and wonderfully scenic.
Best for: Classic hot springs, traditional streets, winter relaxation
Travel time: 1 hour from Osaka; 1.5 hours from Kyoto
5. Amanohashidate (From Kyoto & Osaka)
Known as one of Japan’s “Three Scenic Views,” Amanohashidate is a sandbar covered with pine trees stretching across a calm bay. In December, the air is cool and the skies are bright, making the viewpoint from Kasamatsu Park especially stunning.
Ride the cable car, take a quiet stroll across the sandbar, or relax at a sea-view café. It’s a peaceful retreat with a slower pace — ideal for travelers seeking nature and beautiful photos without the crowds.
Best for: Coastal scenery, peaceful winter views
Travel time: 2–2.5 hours from Kyoto or Osaka
6. Koyasan (From Osaka)
Mount Koya (Koyasan) is one of Japan’s most sacred mountain areas and feels especially magical in winter. December mornings bring mist, frost, and—on some days—gentle snowfall over the monastery roofs.
Visit Okunoin Cemetery’s lantern-lit pathways, stroll through ancient temples, or enjoy a vegetarian Buddhist lunch. Koyasan is calm, atmospheric, and deeply spiritual — a truly unique winter experience close to Osaka.
Best for: Temple stays, serene forest paths, early winter snow
Travel time: 2 hours from Osaka
Embrace the Beauty of Winter Travel in Japan with Hire Taxi Japan
December in Japan is one of the most underrated travel months. With fewer crowds, clearer views, and cool refreshing air, winter brings out a different kind of beauty — quiet lakesides, steaming hot springs, snow-dusted temples, and peaceful mountain villages.
Whether you’re exploring coastal scenery, warming up in an onsen, or soaking in views of Mt. Fuji, private charters make these winter day trips smooth, comfortable, and flexible. It’s the perfect way to enjoy Japan’s early winter charm at your own pace.
